Lakers vs Kings Wasn’t Close — Here’s What the Score Didn’t Tell You 👀

The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings have built more than a mere divisional rivalry. This season, lakers vs kings matchups have swung from blowouts to unpredictable thrillers, and the latest game was no exception.

On January 12, 2026, the Kings defeated the Lakers 124–112 on their home floor in Sacramento. It wasn’t just another loss for the Lakers; it was a snapshot of where both teams are headed, talent and momentum-wise.

Let’s unpack what happened, what it means for both squads, and what to expect as this rivalry unfolds.

What Went Down: Kings Top Lakers in Sacramento

The final buzzer read 124–112 in favor of the Sacramento Kings. Right from the tip-off, Sacramento played with rhythm and confidence. The Kings shot efficiently, especially from long range, and kept consistent pressure on the Lakers’ defense throughout the night.

Offensive Leaders

Malik Monk was the standout star for Sacramento, hitting seven 3-pointers and scoring 26 points. His shooting provided the offensive burst the Kings needed to keep pace and then build a cushion.
DeMar DeRozan put up 32 points and six assists, combining scoring and playmaking with veteran poise.
Russell Westbrook also chipped in with a solid 22 points — a strong showing from a frequent shooting critic.

Meanwhile, the Lakers, despite a monster performance from Luka Dončić, struggled to close the gap.

Dončić posted 42 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, underscoring his MVP-level production.
LeBron James added 22 points, but neither he nor Dončić got enough help from beyond the arc.
The Lakers’ team three-point shooting was poor — just 22.2% on the night.

How the Kings Won: Shooting, Spacing, and Momentum

This game boiled down to a few key factors:

1. Elite Perimeter Shooting

Sacramento shot an eye-popping 65.4% from three-point range. That’s not a fluke — it’s the product of rhythm, confidence, and disciplined spacing. When Monk is hot and DeRozan is operating with space, the Kings become a real offensive threat.

Lakers defenders found themselves reacting late, and that’s a recipe for trouble against a team firing on all cylinders.

2. Balanced Scoring

While Dončić and James were the headline performers, the Kings got contributions from multiple players. That depth — shooting, slashing, and decision-making — opened the court and forced the Lakers to cover more ground.

3. Lakers’ Shooting Woes

Shooting has been a recurring issue for LA. Making just 8 of 36 from beyond the arc is a stat that’ll keep any team on the wrong side of a loss. When the Lakers don’t hit shots from deep, spacing shrinks for their creators, making everything harder.

Player Grades and Takeaways

Lakers analysts were blunt in their assessment after the game. According to post-game grades from sources covering LA’s performance, the Lakers looked disjointed and inefficient, especially on defense.

Dončić’s performance was MVP-caliber — but one player can’t carry a roster every night.
LeBron had his moments, but inconsistent three-point shooting hurt the Lakers’ spacing.
Role players like Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia underperformed, and that lack of reliable support is part of the Lakers’ current struggle.

The Kings, on the other hand, demonstrated that when their key guys are engaged, they’re capable of hanging with elite competition. Monk’s heat-checks and DeRozan’s veteran savvy were exactly what Sacramento needed.

History of the Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Rivalry

This rivalry didn’t start with this January game. Over recent seasons, the kings vs lakers matchups have been pretty dynamic:

In December 2025, the Lakers dominated Sacramento 125–101, snapping a losing streak and showing their ability to blow teams out when everything clicks.
Historically, matchups have seen swings — both teams have won at home and on the road, with the narrative shifting as rosters evolved. The Kings’ win this week marked their first home victory against the Lakers since March 2024.

So while this season’s series isn’t a lock in either direction, it reflects teams at different points of growth.

Lakers vs Kings: What This Means for Both Teams

Lakers

This loss drops into a broader pattern of inconsistency for LA this season. Even with All-Star talent, the Lakers have struggled with rotations, shot creation when primary options are guarded tightly, and role player contributions.

If the Lakers want to get back into elite contention, they need:

Better shooting distribution
More defensive discipline
Consistent bench scoring

Dončić is elite. James still has plenty to offer. But without help, even MVP production won’t carry a team night after night.

Kings

Sacramento’s victory signals a potential turning point. The Kings have been frustrated with their overall record, but performances like this show they can challenge top teams.

If Monk keeps shooting at this level and veterans like DeRozan continue to lead, the Kings could get comfortable in tighter contests instead of just fighting through them.

Where to Watch Lakers vs Sacramento Kings

For fans planning to catch the next clash:

Nationally broadcast games are usually available on NBA League Pass, ESPN, TNT, or local sports networks depending on your region.
Check your local listings for Sacramento Kings or Los Angeles Lakers broadcast channels.
Often games are streamed online through official NBA platforms or network apps.

(Your best bet is to check updated listings a few days before the game to confirm channels and times.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who won the most recent Lakers vs Kings game?
A: The Sacramento Kings beat the Los Angeles Lakers 124–112 on January 12, 2026, led by Malik Monk and DeMar DeRozan.

Q: What was the Lakers vs Sacramento Kings match player stats?
A: Luka Dončić paced the Lakers with 42 points, and Malik Monk scored 26 with seven 3-pointers for the Kings.

Q: Where to watch Sacramento Kings vs Lakers games?
A: Games are typically on NBA League Pass, ESPN, TNT, or local broadcast networks, depending on your region and schedule.

Q: How did Malik Monk impact the Lakers vs Kings game?
A: Monk’s hot shooting from deep (seven triples) was a major factor in Sacramento’s offense and overall victory.

Q: Did DeMar DeRozan play a big role in the Kings’ win?
A: Yes — DeRozan scored 32 points and made plays that kept the Kings ahead through multiple quarters.

Q: What does this loss mean for the Lakers’ season?
A: It highlights ongoing inconsistency and emphasizes the need for bench contributions and better three-point shooting.

Conclusion

The latest lakers vs kings matchup didn’t just add another entry to the ledger — it told a story.

The Kings proved they can hang with top Western Conference teams, using elite shooting and balanced scoring to topple the Lakers. LA, on the other hand, showed flashes of brilliance but also the flaws that could define their season if left unaddressed.

Whether you’re rooting for the LA Lakers or Sacramento Kings, this rivalry is shaping up to be a compelling chapter in the NBA season — one worth watching as these teams grow, adapt, and push for positioning in the playoff picture.